Where to Eat, Drink and Stay in Santa Fe

Santa Fe New Mexico is a romantic city with breathtaking sunsets, exceptional cuisine with Southwest & Spanish influences and fine spirits that celebrates all that this wonderful capital city has to offer. The historical buildings and fantastic museums preserve Santa Fe’s history and eloquently tells the story of its inhabitants throughout the years. Within a half day’s drive and with the addition of direct flights to and from Albuquerque, just a short drive from Santa Fe, this vibrant city is quickly becoming a popular hot spot for Austinites.

Where To Stay

Inn at the Anasazi, photo by Jesse Drohen

Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi

Located in the heart of Santa Fe, the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi is just steps from galleries, shops, museums and the historic Santa Fe Plaza. Named after the indigenous Anasazi tribe, this luxury hotel celebrates the creative spirit of the region’s early Native Americans and the rich heritage of city’s Spanish founders. The hotel boasts 58 rooms, 2 event spaces and 3 restaurants + bars. The world class Anasazi restaurant provides guests with a remarkable epicurean experience highlighted with Southwestern and Argentinean flavors.

The Inn and Spa At Loretto

Founded in 1975, Inn & Spa Loretto is a boutique adobe style luxury hotel complete with a world class spa, outstanding restaurant with inviting patio, comfortable lounge and enchanting sculpture garden. The hotel is located on the former site of the historic Our Lady of Loretto Academy and next to to the famous Loretto Chapel with uniquely crafted staircase.

Santa Fe Sage Inn

Santa Fe Sage Inn and Suites is located in the popular Railyard district conveniently located across from the Santa Farmers Market. The pet friendly hotel is centrally located and offers free shuttle service connecting visitors to all that the historic Santa Fe Plaza has to offer. The hotel has a wonderful restaurant-bar Derailed, 24 hour business center, 24 hour exercise room, free WiFi for guests, seasonal outdoor pool and meeting space to accommodate up to 50 guests.

Where To Eat

The Compound, photo by Jesse Drohen

The Compound

The Compound restaurant, formerly a home on Canyon Road, was thoughtfully designed by Alexander Girard to maintain its historical appeal. In similar fashion, James Beard Award winning Chef Mark Kiffin cultivated a miraculous menu that focuses on regional ingredients brought to the Southwest United States by the Spaniards. The serene courtyard dining experience whisks guests away to those earlier days.

Luminaria

Chef Marc Quiñones beautifully blends modern cuisine with authentic Southwest influences resulting in true comfort food. Luminaria guests can dine in the gorgeous dining room with decor inspired by the Anasazi people or el fresco style on the enchanting patio. The patio tented, dimly lit with hanging lanterns and winding vines makes for a romantic dining experience. The restaurant is adjacent to the the famous Loretto Chapel.

Margarita at Luminaria, photo by Jesse Drohen

Fish at Luminaria, photo by Jesse Drohen

Pork Belly at Luminaria, photo by Jesse Drohen

What to Order

We recommend starting off with the decadent Berkshire Pork Belly and Blue Corn Crispy Beef “Bao” Bun with green chili-hoisin. For dinner you will not want to miss out on Chilean Sea Bass on a bed of savory mushroom risotto, their exceptionally tender 36 Hour Sous Vide Buffalo Short Ribs and the standout “Southern Fried” Kurobuta Pork Chop served on top of red beans. The wine selection is phenomenal awarding them Excellence on Wine Spectator from 2012-2015. The Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita, which is part of the Santa Fe Margarita trail, is a refreshing way to begin or end your culinary experience.

What to Order

You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu but we fancy the fresh Oysters, tender Grilled Octopus, Naturally NM Lamb Saddle with apricot and rice porridge and the exhilarating Sandia Y Pepino Margarita which is part of the Santa Fe Margarita Trail.

Il Piatto

Il Piatto is an Italian Farmhouse Kitchen that was established in 1996. The restaurant has earned the award of Excellence from Wine Spectator in 2015 & 2016, best restaurant from Edible Santa Fe in 2013 and chef of the year from Edible Santa Fe in 2016. Chef Matt Yohalem buys locally for his restaurant resulting in fresh seasonal ingredients and dishes. The menu offerings are sophisticated yet approachable.

Kakawa Chocolate House

At Kakawa Chocoloate House you can drink and eat your chocolate too! Kakawa Chocolate House specializes in chocolate elixirs, Chili Chocolates and Chili Caramels. Their passion is making authentic and historical chocolate elixirs to include traditional Pre-Columbian, Mesoamerican, Mayan and Aztec drinking chocolate elixirs. Guests are welcome to sample their rich flavorful elixirs before committing to a glass and may also get creative by ordering a mix of different elixirs and topping it off with organic whipped cream.

Tzul Elixir at Kakawa photo by Amy Drohen

What to Order

Our top picks are Kakawa’s Tzul Elixir made with dark chocolate, creamy caramel and a five-spice, the tantalizing Chili Chocolate Elixir and Red Chili Caramels.

Where To Drink

Santa Fe Spirits photo by Jesse Drohen

Santa Fe Spirits photo by Jesse Drohen

Santa Fe Spirits

Whiskey aficionado Colin Keegan founded Santa Fe Spirits in 2010. Santa Fe Spirits’ award winning spirits have been recognized locally, regionally and nationally. The impressive Colkegan Single Malt Whiskey with its extraordinarily complex flavor profile won the 2015 Gold Medal from the American Distillers Institute. Visitors are welcome to schedule a tour of the distillery Thursday – Saturday. In addition, Santa Fe Spirits has a tasting room open 6 days a week offering guests a flight of spirits or creative craft cocktails made with fresh juices and home-made mixers.

Derailed at the Sage

Derailed is located at the Santa Fe Sage Inn and Suites conveniently across from the Santa Fe Railyard. Guests are encouraged to drink, dine and unwind in their welcoming lounge and patio. The amenities at Derailed include a dog friendly patio, live music and WiFi.

What to Order

The spicy Tequila Mockingbird Margarita which is part of the Santa Fe Margarita Trail, Sage Inn Signature Margarita with house-made sage infused syrup and the devily delicious El Diablo.

Bell Tower Bar at La Fonda

The Bell Tower with its gorgeous sunset views is a popular watering hole among locals and tourists alike. The Bell Tower opens daily at 11:45am until sunset offering guests views of the sunset and plaza while sipping cocktails.

Where To Play

Meow Wolf, photo by Amy Drohen

Meow Wolf

Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return is a wildly unique experience like no other! This fascinating attraction filled with art, technology, mystery and sci-fi has something for all ages. The space is a collaboration of over 100 local artists that imaginatively combines art gallery, climbing gym, children’s museum, and interactive nonlinear novel. Come discover secret passageways and alternate dimensions at Meow Wolf. The multi use facility opens their doors weekend nights for adult fun with live music, DJs and dancing.

Santa Fe Farmers Market

The Santa Fe Farmers Market was founded in the 1960s as a small community of farmers and has become one of the best farmers markets in the US. As of 2008 the market has a permanent resident at the popular Santa Fe Railyard serving as hub of local produce to the community and Santa Fe visitors alike. The new location allows farmers to sell their goods year round. Visitors can expect fresh locally produced groceries, goods and entertainment.

Santa Fe Artists Market

Local juried artists present their beautifully crafted work at the Railyard on Saturdays, year round. In addition, there are three additional shows held at Cathedral Park. A visit to the market is great insight to the history and souls of the talented local artists. Patrons will discover imaginative paintings and drawings, sculptures, ceramics, traditional New Mexico furniture, hand crafted jewelry, leather goods and more.

Santa Fe Plaza

The Santa Fe Plaza is a historical landmark in downtown Santa Fe. This national landmark continues to be a central gathering place for the community. Visitors have a variety of shops, galleries, restaurants to choose from on the plaza. Artists, jewelry makers and crafters sell their beautifully crafted goods on the plaza which for the perfect gifts and keepsakes from your trip.

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About The Author

I am founder and editor of http://sushiatx.blogspot.com. I love all things sushi, wine and trying new restaurants. I am always on the search for dog friendly patios. Follow me on my foodie adventures at @sushigirl_atx!

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Austin Food Magazine is an online digital culinary magazine and blog that highlights local chefs, restaurants and recipes by our talented contributors. You'll also find reviews on culinary travel destinations and listings for the best events and entertainment in Austin.